Central Florida Restaurateur Recognized for Business Leadership, Community Service and Commitment to Helping Others Succeed

RALEIGH, N.C. — Eric Holm, Golden Corral franchise owner and founder of Metro Corral, was recently named a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). Announced at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14 -16, the award recognizes franchise owners who demonstrate leadership through community involvement, workforce development, and franchise mentorship.

Holm operates 18 Golden Corral buffets throughout Central Florida, including several high-performing locations. Beyond the success of his own buffets, he has established himself as a resource for other franchisees in the Golden Corral system by mentoring his fellow operators and serving multiple terms on the brand’s Franchise Advisory Council. Holm’s focus on developing and retaining strong restaurant teams has also contributed to one of the lowest management turnover rates within the Golden Corral system.

“Eric exemplifies the kind of franchisee leadership that has strengthened our franchise system for decades,” said David Conklin, Chief Development Officer of Golden Corral. “He has built a strong organization while remaining committed to his community and the values of our brand, and his continued investment in Golden Corral is a meaningful reflection of the strength of our franchise system.”

That commitment to service is rooted in Holm’s own experience. Raised by a single mother as one of five children, Holm and his family once relied on the Salvation Army for a Thanksgiving meal. For more than 30 years, he has carried that experience with him, volunteering each Thanksgiving with the Salvation Army to help provide approximately 20,000 meals to people throughout Central Florida.

“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about; individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize Eric with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate his commitment to making a difference both within his business and beyond.”

For more information about Golden Corral and franchise opportunities, visit goldencorral.com/franchise.

About Golden Corral
Founded in 1973 and based in Raleigh, N.C., Golden Corral is the nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain. Golden Corral strives to make pleasurable dining affordable for all families. Golden Corral restaurants are 99% locally owned and operated by independent franchisees. While its commitment begins each day with preparing delicious food, Golden Corral also believes in providing outstanding hospitality and giving back. Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand. In recent years, Golden Corral has been recognized among the nation’s top 50 “Most Loved Brands” by Yelp (2023), honored by Newsweek for “America’s Best Customer Service 2024,” named Newsweek’s #1 “Best Buffet Chain in America” for 2025, and selected for USA TODAY’s 2026 lists of “America’s Best Customer Service” and “Most Trusted Brands.” The brand has also earned multiple workplace awards in recognition of its deep-rooted culture. Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and have more recently partnered with Project Healing Waters, an organization that helps active military service personnel and Veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building. Golden Corral is also the founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, which provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, injured, ill, or fallen service members. For more information, visit GoldenCorral.com and follow Golden Corral on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter.